Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids highlighted his side’s mental aspect as key after they thumped TMA Stars 3-0 to progress to the last 16 of the CRDB Bank Federation Cup at KMC Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Reds of Simbazi were in rampant mood and got the opener in the 17th minute through Valentino Norma before Sixtus Sabilo fired into his own net in a desperate attempt to clear the danger.
Lionel Ateba then put the game beyond bed with Simba’s third goal in the 75th minute with a brilliant finish to secure the much-needed victory.
The South African tactician applauded his charges for being professional despite facing lower opposition.
“Yeah, well done to the players. It’s very hard where you have the preparation for the derby and then you don’t play the derby [after it was postponed],” Davids said in his post-match interview.
“Now you don’t play the derby and now to motivate the team to be ready and have a good performance, clear structured performance to get to the next round.
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“So, the players had to really dig deep, not from a physical side but mental side to not drop to the level of the Championship, no disrespect to TMA. They were a good side, they pushed us.
“Was very important from a mental side, from the psychological side to do the job, get to the next round and most important, keep a clean sheet.”
Simba’s next match is on Friday, 14 March when they welcome Dodoma Jiji in a league encounter as they look to further pile pressure on rivals Yanga who are four points ahead with Davids’ side having played a game less.
